Abstract :
Research using a single molecule as a diode circuit element has gained impetus since Aviram and Ratner proposal, where they suggested using a single molecule as a diode circuit element. In recent past, this field has advanced
tremendously and the primary interest is miniaturization of circuit elements using the single molecules as electronic components. Single-molecule devices are also used as test beds for understanding and controlling electron transfer
across metal/organic interfaces. In this talk, I will discuss the scanning tunnelling microscope break-junction technique for measuring conductance through single molecule junctions. I will present experimental results illustrating
how different linker groups in the molecule affect single-molecule junctions. I shall discuss the effect of substituents, chain length and molecular conformation on molecular conductance.